How do you make Pie?

Making a pie involves several steps and techniques. Here's a general guide to making a basic fruit pie:

Ingredients:

- For the Pie Crust:

- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2/3 cup (150g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

- 6-7 tablespoons ice water

- For the Pie Filling:

- 6-8 cups fresh fruit (such as apples, peaches, berries, or cherries), sliced or chopped

- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar

- 1/4 cup (31g) cornstarch

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar (for fruit fillings prone to browning)

- 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

- Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingertips or a pastry blender to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing the dough with a fork until it just comes together.

- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Pie Filling:

- In a large bowl, combine the fruit, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice or vinegar (if using).

- Toss the fruit mixture to coat evenly.

3. Assemble the Pie:

- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Roll out the chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle.

- Transfer the dough to a 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate and trim the edges.

- Pour the prepared fruit filling into the pie crust.

- Dot the filling with the melted butter.

4. Roll Out and Top the Pie:

- Roll out the remaining pie dough into another 12-inch (30 cm) circle.

- Use a sharp knife to cut vents in the top crust for steam to escape.

- Place the top crust over the filling.

- Trim and crimp the edges of the two crusts together to seal the pie.

5. Bake the Pie:

- Place the pie plate on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any spills.

- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

6. Let the Pie Cool and Serve:

- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.

- Enjoy your homemade fruit pie!

Remember that different fruits may require adjustments to the baking time and sugar quantities. Always consult specific recipes or cookbooks for detailed instructions and variations based on the type of pie you want to make.